Too few motorists know this rule on car tires, it is dangerous not to apply it.
The tires of a car play a big role in safety. Loss of grip, lengthening braking distances, risk of aquaplaning … Too worn tires can have dramatic consequences on the road. This is why it is recommended to change them every 5 to 10 years depending on the number of kilometers traveled and to check their condition regularly. Only, there is a golden rule very little known to motorists. When replacing a vehicle tires, an error can cause serious problems.
If you go to the garage to replace the four tires, no risk. But given the cost of the operation – at least 500 euros – not everyone can afford it. Most often drivers change their tires two by two. In this case, there is a principle to remember: when it comes to replacing only two tires, it is essential to install the new ones at the back of the vehicle. The new tires should therefore never be mounted on the axle before even if they are the most worn. The new tires should be put on the rear wheels, leaving the tires at the rear to be moved to the front wheels.
Why should we always proceed in this order? Because the back of a car is naturally less controllable than the front. In the event of loss of grip at the rear, the vehicle can go on a tail, a much more difficult situation to catch up than a simple understeer (front sliding). This is why it is essential that rear tires offer optimal grip, especially on wet roads or when turns.
Many motorists ignore this safety rule. Tests carried out by independent organizations, such as those of Tüv in Germany or Michelin, have shown that by putting the most used tires at the rear, the stop distances on wet soil are lengthening and the risk of loss of control increases considerably.
If you are used to changing your tires yourself to make thrifty on the workforce we advise you to apply this principle well. And if you let professionals do, make sure they operate so because it is not the case in all garages. It is your safety and that of your passengers.